. >>> 400,000 unemployed californians are also closely watching the fiscal cliff negotiations in washington, d.c. that's because emergency federal unemployment benefits are due to expire december 29, unless congress extends them. in california notices of the possible loss of benefits are in the mail this week. >>> powerball ticket sales are soaring today as the clock ticks down to tonight's drawing of a record jackpot. people all over the country are joining the rush to get rich. the powerball pay off has ballooned to more than $550 million. it's still growing. there are no powerball tickets sold in california. one of eight state that is don't sell powerball tickets. many are are relying on out of state friends to buy them a ticket. others are taking a trip to oregon to buy their chance at the good life. >>> today, a live look outside shows the sun has emerged from behind some of the rain clouds. the break is not expected to last for long. we're tracking the next round of storms and the impact they could have on the commute thursday. thank you for trusting ktvu, channel 2 news. we'll see yo